Tough For Ortiz To Keep Smiling

RED SOX NOTEBOOK

August 16, 1998|By ROBERTO GONZALEZ; Courant Staff Writer

BOSTON — Last year, Twins first baseman David Ortiz spent 69 games at Double A New Britain before quickly going to the major leagues. In New Britain, his home run power was as welcome as his warm smile and personality.

This year has been a little more frustrating.

That showed Saturday against the Red Sox, when he was ejected in the first inning. Disgusted after striking out swinging, Ortiz cracked his bat over his knee and threw the pieces to the ground. The umpireshad taken away his apparent two-run homer on the previous pitch, saying the ball had hooked foul in right.

It's been that kind of season for Ortiz.

He was on the disabled list May 11-July 8 after fracturing his right wrist. He had surgery and his hand is still taped.

He is hitting .264 with seven home runs and 34 RBI. With the Rock Cats, he hit .322,14, 56.

``We had a good team [in New Britain],'' Ortiz said. ``There were a lot of good people on the team and it was fun to play there. Everything was fine, really.''

Remembering Ruth

Saturday was ``Remember Babe Ruth Day'' at Fenway Park. Ruth died of cancer 50 years ago today. His daughter, Julia Ruth Stevens, threw out the first pitch.

The event was sponsored by HBO and MediaOne. The HBO documentary ``Babe Ruth'' makes its debut tonight at 8. . . . Thursday will be the first anniversary of Tom Gordon's bullpen debut with the Red Sox. Gordon has 34 saves. On Friday, he converted his 31st consecutive opportunity, the longest current streak in the major leagues. Gordon made his relief debut for the Red Sox on Aug. 20, 1997, against Oakland, retiring all three batters he faced in a 5-4 victory and earning his first save.

Molitor Injured

Twins designated hitter Paul Molitor had to leave in the third inning after sliding hard into second base. Molitor injured his right ankle and was taken for X-rays. X-rays revealed no break. The Twins will decide in the next few days whether to put him on the DL. . . . The Red Sox had received no word on Reggie Jefferson's back. He was scheduled to be examined by Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles on Friday.